Vertebral Column Labeling Quiz

Vertebral Column Overview

• The vertebral column consists of different segments: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx.
• Cervical vertebrae are the topmost vertebrae, typically consisting of seven vertebrae (C1-C7).
• Thoracic vertebrae are located in the mid-back, usually numbering twelve (T1-T12).
• Lumbar vertebrae comprise the lower back and consist of five vertebrae (L1-L5).
• The sacrum is a triangular bone made up of five fused vertebrae, forming the back of the pelvis.
• The coccyx, or tailbone, forms the terminal end of the vertebral column and is composed of three to five fused vertebrae.

Key Vertebral Components

• Transverse Process: Projections on either side of a vertebra that provide attachment for muscles and ligaments.
• Spinous Process: The bony projection off the back of a vertebra, serving as an attachment point for muscles.
• Intervertebral Foramen: Openings between vertebrae that allow spinal nerves to exit the spinal column.
• Intervertebral Disc: Fibrocartilaginous cushions between vertebrae that act as shock absorbers.
• Pedicle: The bony part of a vertebra that connects the body to the vertebral arch.

Verterbral Structure

• Body of Vertebra: The anterior portion that bears weight.
• Vertebral Foramen: The central hole in each vertebra through which the spinal cord passes.
• Vertebral Arch: The arch formed by the pedicle and lamina, surrounding the vertebral foramen.

Regional Differences in Vertebrae

• Body of Axis: Refers to the Dens which connects with the atlas allowing head rotation.
• Transverse Foramen: Unique openings found in cervical vertebrae allowing passage of vertebral arteries.
• Superior/Inferior Articular Processes: Projections that help vertebrae connect with adjacent vertebrae and facilitate movement.

Rib Components

• Facet for Rib: The location on thoracic vertebrae where ribs articulate.
• True Ribs: The first seven pairs of ribs directly connect to the sternum.
• False Ribs: Ribs eight through ten that connect to the sternum indirectly via cartilage.
• Floating Ribs: The last two pairs of ribs that do not connect to the sternum.

Sternum Components

• Manubrium: The upper segment of the sternum.
• Body of Sternum: The central part of the sternum, where most ribs attach.
• Xiphoid Process: The cartilage tip at the lower end of the sternum.
• Sternal Angle: The joint between the manubrium and body of the sternum, indicating the level of the second rib.

Pelvic Anatomy

• Coxal Bone: Also known as the hip bone; consist of ilium, ischium, and pubis.
• Acetabulum: The socket of the hip joint where the thigh bone meets the pelvis.
• Pelvic Brim: The edge of the pelvic inlet, which separates the true pelvis from the false pelvis.
• Pubic Symphysis: The joint where the left and right pubic bones meet.

Sex Differences in Pelvis

• Male Pelvis: Generally narrower with a more heart-shaped pelvic inlet.
• Female Pelvis: Wider with a rounder pelvic inlet, adapted for childbirth.

Curvature of the Spinal Column

• Concave Curvature - Cervical: Inward curvature of the cervical spine.
• Convex Curvature - Thoracic: Outward curvature of the thoracic spine.